Illuminated remote control device

ABSTRACT

An illuminated remote control device providing illumination in the visible spectrum and the functionality of a wireless signal transmitter. Light projects from one or more translucent portions of the remote control device. The illuminated remote control device comprises a housing defining an outer surface and a cavity therein. The housing comprises at least one translucent portion adapted for the transmission of light from the cavity to the outer surface of the housing. At least one control feature is provided to operate transmitter electronics and/or the light source housed in the cavity. The light source produces light within the cavity, the light being then guided from the cavity to the surface by a translucent portion of the housing. The illumination provides the user with an increased ability to see or be seen in the dark and provides illumination that is visually appealing.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to handheld wireless remote control devices tooperate electronic devices, and more particularly, to remote controldevices incorporating illumination.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Remote control devices are finding varied uses for controlling one ormore functions of electrical components, such as those within anautomobile. A remote control is a device that enables a user, byactuation of a button on a handheld transmitter, to remotely controlsuch operations as the locking/unlocking of a vehicle's doors, thesetting of an alarm, and the starting of the engine. A simple remotecontrol device comprises a transmitter having a single button toactivate the transmitter. When the button is activated, the transmitter,using energy, such as, but not limited to radio frequency and infraredenergy, transmits a transmitter identification (ID) code that is uniqueto the transmitter. A receiver, interconnected with the component to beactivated, determines whether or not the received ID code matches a codethat has been stored in the memory of the receiver beforehand. When amatch is determined to exist between the codes, a predetermined functionof a device to be controlled is activated. The predetermined function ofthe device to be controlled corresponds to execution of a specificfunction, such as the unlocking of a lock mechanism of a vehicle door,wherein the lock mechanism performs a locking operation and an unlockingoperation alternately when the ID code is received repeatedly.

It is not uncommon for the remote control device to be operated in adark location or at night. The operation of a single-button remotecontrol device is not particularly hindered by low light conditions, butwith the increasingly popular multi-button remote control device, buttonselection and operation is significantly hampered. The operator has torely on touch and memory in order to correctly select a particularcontrol button. This would be extremely difficult for a user to operatethe remote control device if she is unfamiliar with the automobile, suchas in the case of a rental car or a borrowed car.

It is becoming popular for remote control devices to be configured for adual purpose as a key holder. It is also common for a user to use a keyin the dark or low light condition. In situations where a lock is notwell illuminated, it is particularly difficult to insert the key intothe lock positioned in the correct orientation, or to operate the lockin an emergency.

Accordingly, there is a need for a remote control device that providesthe user with an increased ability for operation in low lightconditions.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention provides a handheld wireless remote control devicewith illumination. In accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention, a handheld remote control device comprises a light sourcethat provides illumination in the visible spectrum that projects fromthe remote control device housing suitable for a particular purpose,such as, but not limited to, to illuminate a nearby object, to provide abeacon, and/or to provide a pleasing light display. The illumination isprojected from one or more areas of the remote control device, such as,but not limited to, a forward edge or surface such as to illuminate afacing target, as well as an adjacent edge or surface such as toilluminate an adjacent target, such as the hand holding the remotecontrol device. In particular, the illumination reflecting off of thehand provides the user with increased ability to visualize the operatingbuttons.

The illumination also provides a lighting effect that is visuallyappealing to the user and to those in view to providing a pleasurablevisceral response. The illumination can be used as a beacon, such thatthe user can be identified in a dark location by the uniqueconfiguration of the lighting effect.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, thehandheld remote control device provided above further comprises acomponent attachment feature, such as, but not limited to, a key chainfor the attachment of keys to the remote control device. Theillumination may be used in complimentary arrangement with the attachedcomponent, such as to illuminate a lock into which an attached key isinserted.

These and other embodiments, aspects, advantages, and features of thepresent invention will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art byreference to the following description of the invention and referenceddrawings or by practice of the invention. The aspects, advantages, andfeatures of the invention are realized and attained by means of theinstrumentality's, procedures, and combinations particularly pointed outin the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a front perspective view and an exploded perspectiveview, respectively, of an illuminated remote control device, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3–5 show front, side and back views of the illuminated remotecontrol device in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front view of an embodiment of a light guide comprising atranslucent material of uniform configuration in the form of a framehaving a light guide aperture, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front view of an embodiment of a light guide comprising atranslucent material with a series of diffraction ridges, in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a front view of an embodiment of a light guide comprising aseries of translucent channels and light modifying areas, in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a light guidecomprising a series of translucent channels and light modifying areas,in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 10 a–10 d are edge views of embodiments of light guide edges, inaccordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of an illuminated remote controldevice comprising a key ring, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings which form a part hereof wherein like numeralsdesignate like parts throughout, and in which is shown by way ofillustration specific embodiments in which the invention may bepracticed. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilizedand structural or logical changes may be made without departing from thescope of the present invention. Therefore, the following detaileddescription is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of thepresent invention is defined by the appended claims and theirequivalents.

Embodiments of an illuminated remote control device 1 is provided below.It is understood that these embodiments are provided as examples ofvarious embodiments for practicing the present invention, but are notintended to limit the present invention thereto. The followingdescription is primarily directed to an illuminated remote controldevice resembling a rectangle having two sides and four edges.Embodiments of an illuminated remote control device can take many forms,including the form of a geometric shape, such as, but not limited to, asquare, rectangle, triangle, and circle, without departing from thescope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of an illuminated remote controldevice 1 providing illumination in the visible spectrum, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. The illuminated remotecontrol device 1 provides the functionality of a wireless signaltransmitter and a light source. The light illuminates and projects fromone or more translucent portions 32 of one or more edges or surfaces ofthe illuminated remote control device 1.

The illuminated remote control device 1, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention, comprises: a housing 9 having anouter surface 12 and a cavity (not shown) therein, the housing 9defining at least one translucent portion 32 adapted for thetransmission of light from the cavity to the outer surface 12; at leastone control feature 18 adjacent the outer surface; transmitterelectronics (not shown) housed in the cavity and adapted for wirelesscommunication and operable by the at least one control feature 18; andat least one light source (not shown) operable by the at least onecontrol feature 18 and adapted to emit light in the visible spectruminto the cavity and through the at least one translucent portion.

FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view and an exploded perspective view,respectively, of an illuminated remote control device 1 providingillumination in the visible spectrum, in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention. The illuminated remote control device 1provides the functionality of a wireless signal transmitter and a lightsource. The light illuminates and projects from one or more portions ofone or more edges or surfaces of the illuminated remote control device1.

The illuminated remote control device 1 comprises a two-piece housing 9,comprising a first side 10 and a second side 20, and a light guide 30there between, defining a first edge 2, a second edge 3, a third edge 4and a fourth edge 5. The first side 10 and the second side 20substantially conform to the periphery of the light guide 30. In theembodiment of FIG. 1, the light guide 30 forms a continuous band aroundthe perimeter of the illuminated remote control device 1. The lightguide 30 provides a conduit to direct light produced within theilluminated remote control device 1 to one or more portions of the firstside 10, first edge 2, second edge 3, third edge 4 and/or the fourthedge 5, where from the light projects from the housing 9.

The housing 9 is adapted to contain one or more light sources 42, 43 andassociated illumination and transmitter electronics 41 and a powersource 44. The one or more light sources 42, 43 comprise any suitableillumination-generating component, such as, but not limited to, a lightemitting diode (LED). Light emitting diodes are available that emitvarious colors of the visible spectrum, such as, but not limited to,blue and red. The various colors can be used advantageously, such as theuse of red to preserve night vision, or combination of colors for apleasing or alerting lighting effect.

The power source 44 comprises any suitable energy storage component,such as, but not limited to, a battery, of sufficient energy to powerthe one or more light sources 42,43 and the electronics 41. Suitablebattery sources include, but are not limited to, 3-volt lithium coincell batteries available from Panasonic bearing the CR2016 marking.

In an embodiment of the invention, light is caused to project from theilluminated remote control device 1 in a relatively concentrated mannerso as to provide a relatively more intense lighting effect. Referringagain to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first edge 2 comprises a light lens 32 thatis either integral with the light guide 30 or coupled thereto. A portionof the first edge 2 and the first side 10 comprises a conformal lensaperture 17 into which the light lens 32 extends. The light lens 32focuses and guides the light to project out of a portion of both thefirst edge 2 the first side 10. In other embodiments, a light lens isprovided on one or more portions of the illuminated remote controldevice 1, including the surfaces and edges, singularly or incombination.

Embodiments in accordance with the invention comprise tactile featuresto assist in the handling and operation of the illuminated remotecontrol device 1. Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first side 10further comprises a first recessed portion 11 and a second recessedportion 13, and a ridge 14 there between. The first recessed portion 11is adapted to accept a pair of switch elements in the form of firstcontrol buttons 18 therein. The second recessed portion 13 is adapted toaccept a pair of switch elements in the form of second control buttons19 therein. The first and second control buttons 18,19 project from thefirst and second recessed portions 11,13, respectively, to an elevationsubstantially flush with the first surface 12. The first and secondcontrol buttons 18, 19 include engaging elements (not shown) that extendwithin the housing 9 to engage switch elements therein. The switchelements open and close a circuit comprising the power source 44, theone or more light sources 42,43, and/or the electronics 41.

The first and second control buttons 18,19 comprise tactile features toassist in button differentiation. The first control buttons 18 have agenerally square shape in comparison to an oval shape of the secondcontrol buttons 19. Other tactile features may be incorporated to assistin the operation of the illuminated remote control device 1, such as,but not limited to, shapes of the buttons and textures of the first andsecond control buttons 18,19.

The ridge 14 also provides a tactile feature that assists in buttondifferentiation by providing a positioning reference separating thefirst control buttons 18 from the second control buttons 19.

FIGS. 3–5 show front, side and back views of the illuminated remotecontrol device 1 in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1. The frontlight lens 32 provides an expanded region from which intensifiedillumination projects, including from at least a portion of the firstedge 2 and at least a portion of the first side 10. The illuminationprojects from the light guide edge 31 in various ways that will befurther discussed below.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the second side 20 comprisesa back recessed portion 22 that assists the user in handling andoperation of the illuminated remote control device 1. In yet anotherembodiment of the present invention, the second side 20 furthercomprises an attachment aperture 24 that is adapted to accept a couplingmeans of an accessory, such as, but not limited to, a key chain, as willbe discussed below.

The first side 10 and the second side 20 can comprise a variety ofmaterials, such as metal, plastic, or other suitable materials.Aluminum, for example, provides a desirable combination of lightweight,durability, and attractive finish. The first side 10 and the second side20 protect the internal components and therefore must have appropriatestructural properties. The first side 10 and the second side 20, beingseparate pieces, can be made from different materials and/or differentcolors suitable for a particular purpose, one of which is aesthetics.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the illuminated remote control device 1 isassembled by positioning the light guide 30 between the front side 10and the second side 20. Fastening features 25 are provided to enable thelight guide 30 and the second side 20 to be coupled to the first side10. Example of fastening features include, but are not limited to,mating peg holes and pegs (not shown) positioned about the periphery ofeither the first side 10 and/or the bottom side 20 to assist in thealignment for screw fastening, gluing, and ultrasonic welding, amongothers. Button apertures 46 in the light guide 30 enable buttonprojections (not shown) to pass through the light guide 30 to contactappropriate switch elements 45. Fastening apertures 35 are provided inthe light guide 30 suitable for a particular fastening features betweenthe first side 10 and the second side 20.

The second side 20 is provided with a cavity 21 adapted to accommodateelectrical components comprising one or more light sources 42,43, apower source 44, electronics 41, and push button contacts 45. The pushbutton contacts 45 comprise any suitable contact switch element, suchas, but not limited to, a tactile flex dome switch element. The pushbutton contacts 45 are operable to close a circuit including the powersource 44, the one or more light sources 42,43, and the electronics 41.Pressure applied to the flex dome, such as from the depression of acontrol button 18,19, causes the flex dome to collapse from a convex toa concave configuration and to come into contact with a switch element,thereby closing the circuit. When the pressure is removed, the flex domereturns to its convex position breaking contact with the power sourceand returning the circuit to the off configuration.

In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, a first light source 42 providesillumination to the light lens 32 and/or portions of the light guide 30.A second light source 43 provides illumination to one or more portionsof the light guide 30. It is understood that one or more light sourcescan be used for a particular purpose and is not limited to theconfiguration shown. The first and second light sources 42,43 can be anysuitable light source for the particular purpose, including, but notlimited to, incandescent and light emitting diode (LED).

In operation, depressing either one or more first and second pushbuttons 18, 19 closes the electrical circuit to activate the electronics41 for the transmitter and/or activating the one or more light sources42, 43. Electronic logic enables a variety of illumination possibilitiessuitable for a particular purpose. Examples of illuminationpossibilities include, but are not limited to, one of the first pushbuttons 18 activates only the first light source 42, and the other firstpush button 18 activates the second light source 43. It is understoodthat various combinations of activating the one or more light sources42,43 is possible and within the scope of the present invention.

It is understood that various features can be incorporated into thelight guide 30 suitable for a particular purpose of guiding theillumination to predetermined one or more portions of the illuminatedremote control device 1. Referring again to FIG. 2, in one embodiment inaccordance with the present invention, the light guide 30 a is comprisedof a translucent material in a planar sheet configuration. Generally,light impinging a central portion of a planar sheet will substantiallyuniformly disperse to the edge 31.

FIG. 6 is a top view of another embodiment of a light guide 30 bcomprising a translucent material of a planar sheet configuration havinga light guide aperture 33, in accordance with the present invention. Thelight guide aperture 33 provides additional internal volume toaccommodate electronics 41 or other components and/or provide access fora centrally positioned light source. The light guide aperture 33provides an internal edge 34 to act as an entry conduit for theillumination from the light source 42, 43.

FIG. 7 is a top view of another embodiment of a light guide 30 ccomprising a translucent material of a planar sheet configuration with aseries of diffraction ridges 36, in accordance with the presentinvention. The diffraction ridges 36 assist in the distribution of theillumination throughout the light guide 30 c and substantially uniformlyexiting out of the light guide edge 31.

FIG. 8 is a top view of another embodiment of a light guide 30 dcomprising a series of translucent channels 37 a and light modifyingportions 38 a, in accordance with the present invention. The translucentchannels 37 a guide or transmit illumination at predetermined portionsof the light guide edge 31. The light modifying portions 38 a areconfigured to change, diminish and/or block the light transmission fromportions of the light guide edge 31 for a predetermined lighting effect.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a lightguide 30 e comprising a series of translucent channels 37 b and lightmodifying areas 38 b, in accordance with the present invention. Thetranslucent channels 37 b guide the illumination to predeterminedportions of the light guide edge 31. The light modifying areas 38 b areconfigured to change, diminish and/or block the illumination fromportions of the light guide edge 31 for a desired predetermined lightingeffect.

FIGS. 10 a–10 d are edge views of portions of embodiments of a lightguide edge 31, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 10 a showsa light guide edge 31 a having a substantially smooth surface 39 a thatis uniform along the perimeter of the light guide, that provides asubstantially uniform lighting effect along the perimeter.

FIG. 10 b shows a light guide edge 31 b comprising a vertically groovedsurface 39 b that modifies, such as, but not limited to, bending andscattering, the illumination emanating from the light guide edge 31 b.

FIG. 10 c shows a light guide edge 31 c comprising a horizontallygrooved surface 39 c that modifies the illumination emanating from thelight guide edge 31 c.

FIG. 10 d shows a light guide edge 31 d comprising areas of differentillumination properties, such as, but not limited to, a smooth surface39 e and a cross-hatch grooved surface 39 d, and the embodiments shownin FIGS. 8 and 9. The a light guide edge 31 d creates a predeterminedlighting effect.

The embodiments of FIGS. 1–5 show the light guide 30 comprising a lightlens 32 that is assembled within a complimentary conformal lens aperture17 of the top surface 10. The embodiments of FIGS. 6–9 show light guides30 b–30 e having no light lens 32 integral to the light guides 30 b–30e. It is understood that such embodiments may also be utilized withembodiments of the remote control device 1 that comprise a separatelight lens, or embodiments with a first side 10 having no conformal lensaperture 17. It is understood that the scope of the invention is notlimited to a particular arrangement of the illuminated remote controldevice 1 having or not having a light lens 32 and a conformal lensaperture 17.

It is also understood that the scope of the invention is not limited toan illuminated remote control device 1 comprising a light guide as asingular piece, but also comprises illuminated remote control devices 1comprising one or more translucent windows or inserts that are adaptedto project within corresponding apertures in the housing 9, such as, butnot limited to, one or more light lenses 32 and corresponding conformallens apertures 17.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the illuminated remote control device 1further comprising an attached accessory, such as a key ring 26, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The key ring 26is adapted to couple with the attachment aperture 24 on the second side20 of the illuminated remote control device 1.

The invention is not intended to be limited by the particular geometry,location of illumination emission, or components depicted herein, whichare illustrative. It is further understood that the present invention isnot limited to illuminated remote control devices having an attachmentaperture that is adapted to accept a coupling feature of an accessory.It is further understood that the present invention is not limited toilluminated remote control devices having four control buttons or anyparticular combination of one or more control buttons.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described hereinfor purposes of description of the preferred embodiment, it will beappreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety ofalternate and/or equivalent implementations calculated to achieve thesame purposes may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown anddescribed without departing from the scope of the present invention.Those with skill in the art will readily appreciate that the presentinvention may be implemented in a very wide variety of embodiments. Thisapplication is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of theembodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended thatthis invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalentsthereof.

1. An illuminated remote control device, comprising: a housing having anouter surface and a cavity therein, the housing defining at least onetranslucent portion adapted for the transmission of light from thecavity to the outer surface, wherein the housing comprises a first sideand a second side defining an aperture there between about a perimeteredge; at least one control feature adjacent the outer surface;transmitter electronics adapted for wireless communication and operableby the at least one control feature; and at least one light sourceoperable by the at least one control feature and adapted to emit lightin the visible spectrum into the cavity, the cavity adapted to containthe transmitter electronics and the at least one light source therein,the at least one translucent portion adapted to provide a conduit toguide light from the cavity to the outer surface, wherein the at leastone translucent portion comprises: an aperture extending from the cavityto the outer surface; and a window coupled within the aperture andextending at least a portion of the length of the aperture, the windowcomprising a translucent material, wherein the window comprises a lightguide positioned in the aperture between the first side and second side,the light guide having a light guide edge defining at least a portion ofthe perimeter edge, the light guide adapted to provide a conduit toguide light from the cavity to one or more portions of the outersurface.
 2. The illuminated remote control device of claim 1, whereinthe at least one control feature adjacent the outer surface comprises atleast one first control button and at least one second control button;and wherein the first side further comprises: a first recessed portionand a second recessed portion adjacent the first recess portion, and aridge there between, the first recessed portion adapted to accept the atleast one first control button therein, and the second recessed portionadapted to accept the at least one second control button therein, thefirst and second control buttons adapted to project from the first andsecond recessed portions to an elevation substantially flush with theouter surface.
 3. The illuminated remote control device of claim 1,wherein the second side comprises an accessory attachment apertureadapted to permit the coupling of a predetermined accessory to thehousing.
 4. The illuminated remote control device of claim 1, whereinthe light guide comprises a substantially planar sheet of translucentmaterial.
 5. The illuminated remote control device of claim 1, whereinthe light guide comprises a substantially planar sheet of a translucentmaterial having a light guide aperture, the light guide aperture havingan internal edge adapted to provide an entry conduit for the light fromthe cavity.
 6. The illuminated remote control device of claim 1, whereinthe light guide comprises a substantially planar sheet of a translucentmaterial, at least a portion of which comprising a series of diffractionridges adapted to distribute the light from the light source throughoutthe light guide and substantially uniformly about the perimeter edge. 7.The illuminated remote control device of claim 1, wherein the lightguide comprises at least one translucent channel and at least one lightmodifying area, the translucent channel adapted to transmit light fromthe cavity to a predetermined portion of the perimeter edge, and thelight modifying area adapted to change, diminish and/or block the lightfrom predetermined portions of the perimeter edge.
 8. The illuminatedremote control device of claim 1, wherein the light guide edge comprisesa substantially smooth surface.
 9. The illuminated remote control deviceof claim 1, wherein the light guide edge comprises a plurality ofvertical grooves adapted to modify the distribution of light emittingfrom the light guide edge.
 10. The illuminated remote control device ofclaim 1, wherein the light guide edge comprises a plurality ofhorizontal grooves adapted to modify the distribution of light emanatingfrom the light guide edge.
 11. The illuminated remote control device ofclaim 1, wherein the light guide edge comprises portions having one ofat least two different light transmission properties.
 12. An illuminatedremote control device, comprising: a housing having an outer surface anda cavity therein, the housing defining at least one translucent portionadapted for the transmission of light from the cavity to the outersurface, wherein the housing comprises a first side and a second sidedefining a perimeter edge; at least one control feature adjacent theouter surface; transmitter electronics adapted for wirelesscommunication and operable by the at least one control feature; and atleast one light source operable by the at least one control feature andadapted to emit light in the visible spectrum into the cavity, thecavity adapted to contain the transmitter electronics and the at leastone light source therein, the at least one translucent portion adaptedto provide a conduit to guide light from the cavity to the outersurface, wherein the at least one translucent portion comprises: a lightlens aperture extending from the cavity to the outer surface; and alight lens within the light lens aperture and adapted to provide a lightconduit to at least a portion of the perimeter edge and at least aportion of the first side.
 13. An illuminated remote control device,comprising: at least one light source; a power source; a transmitteradapted for radio frequency communication with a receiver to control theoperation of a device; at least one switch; a housing defining an outersurface and a cavity, the cavity adapted to house the at least oneswitch, power source, the at least one light source, and thetransmitter, the housing comprising a first side and a second sidedefining a perimeter edge; a control feature operable from the outersurface to operate the switch to close a circuit including the powersource and one or more of the transmitter and the one or more lightsources; and a light guide defining at least a portion of the perimeteredge, the light guide adapted to provide a conduit for the transmissionof light from the cavity to the outer surface of the housing.
 14. Theilluminated remote control device of claim 13, further comprising: alight lens aperture extending from the cavity to a portion of theperimeter edge and a portion of the first side; and a light lens withinthe light lens aperture and adapted to provide a light conduit to theportion of a perimeter edge and the portion of the first side.
 15. Theilluminated remote control device of claim 14, wherein the housingfurther comprises an accessory attachment aperture extending from thecavity to the outer surface.
 16. The illuminated remote control deviceof claim 13, wherein the first side and second side define an aperturethere between about the perimeter edge; the light guide coupled withinthe aperture between the first side and second side, the light guidehaving a light guide edge defining at least a portion of the perimeteredge, the light guide adapted to provide a conduit to guide light fromthe cavity to one or more portions of the outer surface.
 17. Theilluminated remote control device of claim 13, wherein the light guidecomprises a substantially planar sheet of translucent material.
 18. Theilluminated remote control device of claim 13, wherein the light guidecomprises a substantially planar sheet of a translucent material havinga light guide aperture, the light guide aperture having an internal edgeadapted to provide an entry conduit for the light from the light source.19. The illuminated remote control device of claim 13, wherein the lightguide comprises a substantially planar sheet of a translucent material,at least a portion of which comprising a series of diffraction ridgesadapted to distribute the light from the cavity throughout the lightguide and substantially uniformly about the perimeter edge.
 20. Theilluminated remote control device of claim 13, wherein the light guidecomprises at least one translucent channel and at least one lightmodifying area, the translucent channel adapted to transmit light fromthe cavity to a predetermined portion of the perimeter edge, and thelight modifying area adapted to change, diminish and/or block the lightfrom predetermined portions of the perimeter edge.
 21. The illuminatedremote control device of claim 13, wherein the light guide edgecomprises a substantially smooth surface.
 22. The illuminated remotecontrol device of claim 13, wherein the light guide edge comprises aplurality of vertical grooves adapted to modify the distribution oflight emitting from the light guide edge.
 23. The illuminated remotecontrol device of claim 13, wherein the light guide edge comprises aplurality of horizontal grooves adapted to modify the distribution oflight emanating from the light guide edge.
 24. The illuminated remotecontrol device of claim 13, wherein the light guide edge comprisesportions having one of at least two different light transmissionproperties.
 25. An illuminated remote control device, comprising: ahousing having an outer surface and a cavity therein, the housingdefining at least one translucent portion adapted for the transmissionof light from the cavity to the outer surface; at least one controlfeature adjacent the outer surface; transmitter electronics adapted forradio frequency communication with a receiver to control the operationof a device and operable by the at least one control feature; and atleast one light source operable by the at least one control feature andadapted to emit light in the visible spectrum into the cavity, thecavity adapted to contain the transmitter electronics and the at leastone light source therein, the at least one translucent portion adaptedto provide a conduit to guide light from the cavity to the outersurface, wherein the at least one translucent portion comprises: anaperture extending from the cavity to the outer surface; and a windowcoupled within the aperture and extending at least a portion of thelength of the aperture, the window comprising a translucent material,wherein the housing comprises a first side and a second side defining anaperture there between about a perimeter edge; and wherein the windowcomprises a light guide positioned in the aperture between the firstside and second side, the light guide having a light guide edge definingat least a portion of the perimeter edge, the light guide adapted toprovide a conduit to guide light from the cavity to one or more portionsof the outer surface.
 26. The illuminated remote control device of claim25, wherein the at least one control feature adjacent the outer surfacecomprises at least one first control button and at least one secondcontrol button; and wherein the first side further comprises: a firstrecessed portion and a second recessed portion adjacent the first recessportion, and a ridge there between, the first recessed portion adaptedto accept the at least one first control button therein, and the secondrecessed portion adapted to accept the at least one second controlbutton therein, the first and second control buttons adapted to projectfrom the first and second recessed portions to an elevationsubstantially flush with the outer surface.
 27. The illuminated remotecontrol device of claim 25, wherein the second side comprises anaccessory attachment aperture adapted to permit the coupling of apredetermined accessory to the housing.
 28. The illuminated remotecontrol device of claim 25, wherein the light guide comprises asubstantially planar sheet of translucent material.
 29. The illuminatedremote control device of claim 25, wherein the light guide comprises asubstantially planar sheet of a translucent material having a lightguide aperture, the light guide aperture having an internal edge adaptedto provide an entry conduit for the light from the cavity.
 30. Theilluminated remote control device of claim 25, wherein the light guidecomprises a substantially planar sheet of a translucent material, atleast a portion of which comprising a series of diffraction ridgesadapted to distribute the light from the light source throughout thelight guide and substantially uniformly about the perimeter edge. 31.The illuminated remote control device of claim 25, wherein the lightguide comprises at least one translucent channel and at least one lightmodifying area, the translucent channel adapted to transmit light fromthe cavity to a predetermined portion of the perimeter edge, and thelight modifying area adapted to change, diminish and/or block the lightfrom predetermined portions of the perimeter edge.
 32. The illuminatedremote control device of claim 25, wherein the light guide edgecomprises a substantially smooth surface.
 33. The illuminated remotecontrol device of claim 25, wherein the light guide edge comprises aplurality of vertical grooves adapted to modify the distribution oflight emitting from the light guide edge.
 34. The illuminated remotecontrol device of claim 25, wherein the light guide edge comprises aplurality of horizontal grooves adapted to modify the distribution oflight emanating from the light guide edge.
 35. The illuminated remotecontrol device of claim 25, wherein the light guide edge comprisesportions having one of at least two different light transmissionproperties.
 36. An illuminated remote control device, comprising: ahousing having an outer surface and a cavity therein, the housingdefining at least one translucent portion adapted for the transmissionof light from the cavity to the outer surface; at least one controlfeature adjacent the outer surface; transmitter electronics adapted forradio frequency communication with a receiver to control the operationof a device and operable by the at least one control feature; and atleast one light source operable by the at least one control feature andadapted to emit light in the visible spectrum into the cavity, thecavity adapted to contain the transmitter electronics and the at leastone light source therein, the at least one translucent portion adaptedto provide a conduit to guide light from the cavity to the outersurface, wherein the housing comprises a first side and a second sidedefining a perimeter edge; and wherein the at least one translucentportion comprises: a light lens aperture extending from the cavity tothe outer surface; and a light lens within the light lens aperture andadapted to provide a light conduit to at least a portion of theperimeter edge and at least a portion of the first side.